Warplanes from Poland and NATO allies were scrambled early Wednesday, according to Polish armed forces, after reports surfaced that Russian drones may have entered Polish airspace. The move came as Russia launched widespread airstrikes against western Ukraine near Poland’s border.
Poland’s military operational command confirmed that ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems were raised to their “highest state of readiness.”
“To ensure the security of Polish airspace, the operational commander of the Polish armed forces has activated all necessary procedures,” the command said in a statement on X.
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Initial reports
The Ukrainian air force initially reported via Telegram that Russian drones had entered Poland’s airspace. That statement was subsequently removed, according to Reuters. Ukrainian media also reported drones breached Poland’s airspace, something Reuters and other U.S. media have not independently confirmed as of this publication.
The Ukrainian air force said drones were heading west and posing a threat to the Polish city of Zamość. Ukrainian media later reported that at least one drone was headed toward Rzeszów.
Polish officials have not confirmed that drones entered their airspace as of the time of this publication.
Poland reacts to provocations
Meanwhile, Poland announced it will close its border with Belarus on Tuesday, citing Russian-Belarusian military exercises and what Prime Minister Donald Tusk called “growing provocations.”
Poland’s president, Karol Nawrocki, also warned that “we do not trust Vladimir Putin’s good intentions.” On Tuesday, Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia, echoing calls from a bipartisan group of U.S. senators who have proposed “scorching sanctions” on Russia in the form of a new bill, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025.
Lawmakers react
Some U.S. lawmakers are reacting to the news of a potential breach of Polish airspace by Russia. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., called the latest reports “repeated violations” of NATO rules.
Republican congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina also reacted on X, claiming Russia was attacking Poland with Iranian-made drones.
“This is an act of war, and we are grateful to NATO allies for their swift response to war criminal Putin’s continued unprovoked aggression against free and productive nations,” Wilson wrote. “Putin stated that “Russia knows no borders.” Free and prosperous nations will teach Russia about borders.”
